Saturday, September 18, 2010

T.G.I.Fall!

Fall has finally arrived...and what a gorgeous season it is! Before you stock up on those "safe" staples, consider going out of your comfort zone and investing in a few updated looks. Fall is all about classics, so the leap isn't that big. Here's the scoop:

1.) Joe Camel: it's the color (neutral) of the season, no matter what your first name is. A camel coat is a sure bet and will never, ever go out of style. Try it with a crisp white blouse, skinny dark jeans, over-the-knee riding boots and a killer leopard belt. Too casual? Try a brightly colored shift dress underneath; you’ll look smokin’! Affordable price point: J.Crew, Nordstrom.


2.) Pantsuit party: It's making a huge comeback and you want to be invited. Look for modern, menswear tailoring, and go for black, heather grey or if you're the daring type, winter white. Pair with a feminine blouse (with a bow) and square-toed pumps. Keep these separates together for once. Affordable price point: Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Bloomingdales.


3.) Mo’ Military: this trend continues to linger, but without the problems. Army green is really the go-to color for this look. Jackets and skinny cargo pants are great bases to begin with. Pair it with plum, red or other neutrals. Don't be too literal; instead, mix hard with soft (mid-length, flowy dress with structured jacket). Affordable price point: H&M, Nordstrom, Topshop.com.


4.) Knit-ology: master the study, and you will look very cool. Steer clear of "paul bunion" and go for 1 piece in this trend. A chunky sweater dress is killer with leggings and fur-trimmed booties. A slim cardigan looks super chic with wide leg trousers, a bright colored belt and loafers. Affordable price point: BCBG, Ann Taylor Loft, Zara.


5.) Be an accessory: no need for a guilty verdict, but you can assist your wardrobe. Leopard prints, preppy-inspired pumps, laced-up booties, smaller, ladylike handbags, long chain pendants, lace, and lots of fur! Do leopard in small touches and stick to its natural color. Fur looks killer in a short cropped jacket or longer, belted vest. Opt for any colored pumps, only black for lace, and a shot of orange for the handbag is an unexpected twist to fall's neutrals. Affordable price point: Piperlime.com, Forever 21, Endless.com.


6.) Black/white revival: the mother ship is alive and well! Be creative with this mix; it's fool-proof. Try lace for a very modern take or leather for chic-meets-classic. Always add your own touch with accessories; red is nice sidekick to this sharp contrast. Affordable price point: Zara, White House Black Market (also, check out Gap's new line-up of black pants).


Fridays are nothing compared to this. T.G.I.Fall!


stylingstage suggests:

Belted knit cardigan: BCBG



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inc. cropped military jacket: Macys
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuxedo khaki pants: Gap
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody purse: Nordstrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tinley Road faux fur vest: Piperlime

 
 
 
 Applique mesh blouse: Topshop.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oppulent pendant necklace: Forever21
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Priska fur bootie: Ninewest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Easy v-neck sweater dress: Ann Taylor Loft
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Theory Rory suit: Bloomingdales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Betsey Johnson baubble necklace: Piperlime
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wool-cashmere coat: J.Crew
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tory Burch quilted tote: Nordstrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lace tights: White House Black Market
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rough Justice pumps: Endless.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patent leopard belt: J. Crew
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moto skinny jeans: Old Navy
 
 










Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Luck be a Lady

After a sneak peak at the line-up for fall fashion, the word that comes to mind is refreshing. Big designers ushered out the icky, teen-obsessed looks and welcomed back the era of "the lady." This classic season will surely reinvigorate many XX chromosome types.

Ladylike looks to give a go:

1.) Longer hems circa the 1950’s: These should hit mid-calf and have a medium to full swing (Marc Jacobs).

2.) The camel coat. It’s a classic (MaxMara, J.Crew), and is best paired with a crisp white shirt (Club Monaco), dark, slim jeans (J Brand) and beautiful pumps. Ta-da!

3.) Tailored suits: Seek full leg trousers, menswear-inspired tailoring and balance with a feminine blouse.

4.) Pointy shoes: Long live the gorgeous, elongating, ‘90’s kicks! Louis Vuitton placed huge, pressed bows on top of theirs. Wow.

5.) Fur: Faux or real—it’s all good. Look for fur-lined handbags, vests and cropped or knee-length, belted jackets.

6.) The small bag: Very classic, very structured, with a long strap and proper hardware; everyone from Hermès to Target is banking on these lovely little numbers.

Embrace the lady within! Because luck doesn't strike everyone, you know.

Monday, June 7, 2010

To the MAX-I!

The style gods have brought back the maxi dress--and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Not because I’m super pregnant (although it helps), but because nothing says cool mamacita like a long, flowy frock.

The maxi dress is just the opposite of the 60’s cult classic, the mini. It’s very long and should hit at or just below your ankles. Anything slightly higher is not a true maxi. The vibe is laid back, yet serious style mavens pull it off with subtle glamour. This piece looks great in solids (bold color, white) or prints (ikat, tie-dye). Look for the upper half that flatters you best: halter, strapless or sleeveless. And grace your soles with espadrilles, gladiators, open-toed sandals or a lovely pair of Havaianas (no Birkenstocks, please). Accessorize to compliment the boho-chic mood, but don’t overdo it. The dress is the statement.

Enjoy summer--to the MAX-I!

stylingstage suggests:


Border Flower maxi Arden B:



Love Tease ikat maxi Macys:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chevron Striped maxi BCBG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







Linen Beach maxi Banana Republic:


















Tory Burch Chestnut maxi Bloomingdales:

















Embroidered blue maxi Forever21:





















Testament strapless maxi Piperlime.com:




















Suzie D maxi Shopbop.com:


























Friday, April 16, 2010

Heel Hiatus

Spring is taking a break from height and ushering in the much debated "kitten heel." If you think a 1" lift doesn’t exude a lot of va-va-voom, think again. These little numbers are quite bewitching. Personally, this gives me a great excuse to check in my 4" stilettos: they’re a comfortable and chic option when carrying baby #2!

For those who dream in skyscrapers, don't fret. Here's how to style your little heel:

- Stealth Cat: A floral swing skirt with a distressed T-shirt is sweet yet unexpected. Find the right hat to complete the look.
- Meow-wow: A mini frock looks modern and tasteful when you’re lower to the ground. Jazz up your arms with bangles galore.
- Cool Cat: Menswear-inspired shorts are dope. Pair with a tank, blazer and a long pendant.
- Pretty Kitty: Skinny leggings and tribal-beat tunic are lovely. Opt for a large cocktail ring for glamour.

Give your go-to heels the hiatus they deserve. And please welcome back the little cat.

stylingstage suggests:

Fry Maya Slingbacks Nordstrom:




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Butter Sari Slingbacks Endless.com:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guess Hume Slingbacks Bloomingdales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
French Sole FS/NY Kitten Heel Endless.com:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Martinez Valero Pumps Zappos.com:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anne Klein Pipa 2 Kitten Heel Endless.com:
 
 
 

 

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Military Mama

While we live in the amazing Red, White and Blue, it seems as though everything today has turned army green! You can thank the new military trend for that. Jackets, pants, accessories, etc all are prepped for battle. No need to visit the Army surplus, just think creatively and mix this look with what you already own.

How to style it:

- General Girly: just as Marc Jacobs showed in his spring line-up, pair a military-inspired jacket over a mini floral frock. Top it with a cool belt and make sure there are plenty of ruffles peaking out at the hemline. Wedge sandals will seal the deal.

- Colonel Cool: Find inspiration from Balmain and seek out distressed, tapered chinos in olive. Cuff the bottoms up, but not to neatly. Pair with a baggy, sequined top and neutral, cage-inspired platforms. Aviator shades are the finishing touch.

- Sergeant Smooth:  Be like Mike (Michael Kors) and opt for a classic shirtdress.  Look for a drop-waist style in olive green or khaki and pair with white ankle-tie sandals.  Keep a ladylike satchel in your arsenal and wear oversized bangles to complete the look.

It's always in style to show your patriotism.  Go ahead--unleash your inner military mama.

stylingstage suggests:

Theory Mettie Shirtdress Nordstrom:



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boy Fit Chinos American Eagle Outfitters:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Double Breasted Military Jacket Express:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BCBG Ruffle-Skirted Shirtdress Saks Fifth Avenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heritage Silk Cargo Pants Banana Republic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Belted Utility Jacket Gap:

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Grandma was White

My grandma has always had panache. Her big secret? Anything WHITE. She never turned her nose up to any item carrying this classic hue. Looking forward to the spring season, she may have had some insight.

White will be everywhere, but the loveliest of all destinations is the White Dress. This versatile piece is a throw-back to innocence. It's light, modern and virtually a blank canvas to style. Its very nature is feminine, whether you grace it grecian-style (Donna Karen New York), classic (Michael Kors), modern (Narciso Rodriguez) or edgy (Fendi). It's appropriate for any age, just be aware of the length and avoid pairing it with a tiara.

How to style it:

- Classic: pair with a chunky, white lucite necklace, a large cocktail ring in turquoise and a lady-like pump in nude.

- Modern: make this stand out with a ¾ length topper in a bright, floral print and pair with platform sandals in metallic or brown.

- Edgy: balance out the sweetness with tough accents. Opt for cage booties in black, a neutral snakeskin clutch and chunky, studded bangles.

- Grecian: support the airy look with pastels. Blush cheeks, pink lip gloss and lilac nails. Gladiator sandals and a rose-gold pendant are the finishing touch.

Take note of your spring palette. Grandma was absolutley White.

stylingstage suggests:

BCBG Runway Jersey T-shirt dress Bloomingdales:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=457866&CategoryID=14946&PageID=14946*2*24*-1*-1*32





Chetta B Cutout Hem Nordstrom:



Marc by Marc Jacobs Two Tone dress Bloomingdales:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=463216&CategoryID=14946&LinkLoc=2914&LinkType=SiteAd&AdID=16337&PageID=14946*1*24*-1*-1*17



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
James Perse Dolmain Sleeve dress Nordstrom:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3069791?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=predictivesearch&keyword=james+perse&origin=searchresults
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suzi Chin Rosette Hem dress Macys:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=444015&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See by Chloe Eyelet dress Bloomingdales:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=451474&CategoryID=14946&PageID=14946*2*24*-1*-1*38
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Techy Cotton dress Nicole Miller:
http://www.nicolemiller.com/TECHY_COTTON_DRESS/pd/c/13/np/13/p/2281.html
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cowl-neck dress BCBG:
http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3960711&cp=2840697&view=all&parentPage=family
 
 

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Pink Ladies

I'm nuts about the hues for spring. Call ‘em the Pink Ladies: blush, mauve, peach and any shade of pastel-y pink.  These kids will definitely rule the school.

To appear modern, go to extremes: sweet via airy, ruffly tops and skirts or hard via leather vests and boots with zippers and studs. Wear them alone or with other complimentary neutrals (grey, army green and khaki are popular). Avoid adding too much “other” color; you want to be the cool kid, not the prom queen.

They can be tricky to wear, so seek balance in your styling:

- Reach for peach? Opt for a cherry red lip and clear baubles.
- Mojo is mauve? Try dark raisin nails and loads of graphite bangles.
- Rush for blush? Rock with pink gold hoops and a gorgeous bronzer.
- Think pink? Sport in a killer wedge and an oversized scarf in tan.

This time it's OK to follow the crowd, just no pink slips.

stylingstage suggests:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Top Bluefly.com:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Pink Tassel Edge Scarf Topshop.com:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linea Paolo Frisco Flat Nordstrom:



Lucca Couture Dress Urban Outfitters:


Rose Dew Hinge Bracelet Banana Republic:
Lace Yoke Dolman Top Forever 21:



Silk Ruffle Wrap Dress Banana Republic:


Steve Madden Trop Sandal Endless.com:




Juicy Couture Strap Crossbody Nordstrom:


Gucci Square Shades w/ Vented Lenses Bloomies:



Short Can Can Skirt Topshop.com: